In such cases, DISTRONIC PLUS may:
• give an unnecessary warning and then
brake the vehicle• neither give a warning nor intervene
• accelerate unexpectedly
There is a risk of an accident.

Continue to drive carefully and be ready to
brake, in particular when warned to do so by
DISTRONIC PLUS.

WARNING

DISTRONIC PLUS brakes your vehicle with up
to 40% of the maximum braking force. If this
braking force is insufficient, DISTRONIC PLUS
warns you visually and audibly. There is a risk
of an accident.

In such cases, apply the brakes yourself and
try to take evasive action.

If DISTRONIC PLUS or the HOLD function
is activated, the vehicle brakes
automatically in certain situations. To
prevent damage to the vehicle, deactivate
DISTRONIC PLUS and the HOLD function in
the following or other similar situations:
• when towing the vehicle
R in the car wash

If you fail to adapt your driving style,
DISTRONIC PLUS can neither reduce the risk
of accident nor override the laws of physics.

DISTRONIC PLUS cannot take into account
the road, traffic and weather conditions.

DISTRONIC PLUS is only an aid. You are
responsible for the distance to the vehicle in
front, for vehicle speed, for braking in good
time and for staying in your lane.

Do not use DISTRONIC PLUS:
• in road and traffic conditions which do not
allow you to maintain a constant speed e.g.

in heavy traffic or on winding roads
• on slippery road surfaces. Braking or
accelerating could cause the drive wheels
to lose traction and the vehicle could then
skid• when there is poor visibility, e.g. due to fog,
heavy rain or snow

DISTRONIC PLUS may not detect narrow
vehicles driving in front, e.g. motorcycles, or
vehicles driving on a different line.

In particular, the detection of obstacles can
be impaired if:• dirt on the sensors or anything else
covering the sensors• snow or heavy rain
• interference by other radar sources
• strong radar reflections, for example, in
parking garages

If DISTRONIC PLUS no longer detects a
vehicle in front, DISTRONIC PLUS may
unexpectedly accelerate the vehicle to the
stored speed.

This speed may:• be too high if you are driving in a filter lane
or an exit lane• be so high when driving in the right-hand
lane that you overtake vehicles in the lefthand
lane• be so high when driving in the left-hand lane
that you overtake vehicles in the right-hand
lane
If there is a change of drivers, advise the new
driver of the speed stored.

General notes

DISTRONIC PLUS regulates the speed and
automatically helps you maintain the
distance to the vehicle detected in front.

DISTRONIC PLUS brakes automatically so
that the set speed is not exceeded.

On long and steep downhill gradients,
especially if the vehicle is laden or towing a
trailer, you must select shift range 1, 2 or 3
in good time. By doing so, you will make use
of the braking effect of the engine, This
relieves the load on the brake system and
prevents the brakes from overheating and
wearing too quickly.

If DISTRONIC PLUS detects a slower-moving
vehicle in front, your vehicle is braked in order
to maintain the preset distance to the vehicle
in front.

If DISTRONIC PLUS detects that there is a risk
of a collision, you will be warned visually and
acoustically. DISTRONIC PLUS cannot
prevent a collision without your intervention.

An intermittent warning tone will then sound
and the distance warning lamp will light up in
the instrument cluster. Brake immediately in
order to increase the distance to the vehicle
in front or take evasive action provided it is
safe to do so.

For DISTRONIC PLUS to assist you when
driving, the radar sensor system must be:
• activated
• operational
If there is no vehicle in front, DISTRONIC
PLUS operates in the same way as cruise
control in the speed range between 20 mph
(Canada: 30 km/h) and120 mph (Canada:
200 km/h). If a vehicle is driving in front of
you, it operates in the speed range between
0 mph (0 km/h) and 120 mph (Canada:
200 km/h).

Do not use DISTRONIC PLUS while driving on
roads with steep gradients.

As DISTRONIC PLUS transmits radar waves,
it can resemble the radar detectors of the
responsible authorities. You can refer to the
relevant chapter in the Operator's Manual if
questions are asked about this.

USA only:
This device has been approved by the FCC
as a "Vehicular Radar System". The radar
sensor is intended for use in an automotive
radar system only. Removing, tampering
with, or altering the device will void any
warranties, and is not permitted by the
FCC. Do not tamper with, alter, or use in
any non-approved way.

Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.

Canada only: This device complies with
RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful
interference, and
2. this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.

Removal, tampering, or altering of the
device will void any warranties, and is not
permitted. Do not tamper with, alter, or use
in any non-approved way.

Any unauthorized modification to this
device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.

Cruise control lever

1 To activate or increase speed
2 To activate or reduce speed
3 To deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS
4 To activate at the current speed/last
stored speed
5 To set the specified minimum distance

Activating DISTRONIC PLUS

Activation conditions

In order to activate DISTRONIC PLUS, the
following conditions must be fulfilled:
• the engine must be started. It may take up
to two minutes after pulling away before
DISTRONIC PLUS is operational.

• the electric parking brake must be
released.

• ESP® must be active, but not intervening.

• the transmission must be in position D.

• the driver's door must be closed when you
shift from P to D or your seat belt must be
fastened.

• the front-passenger door and rear doors
must be closed.

• off-road program 2 must be deactivated
(vehicles with the ON&OFFROAD package).

• DSR must be deactivated.

• the vehicle must not skid.

Activating while driving

■ Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards
you 2 or press it up 1 or down 3.

DISTRONIC PLUS is selected.

■ To adjust the set speed in 1 mph
increments (1 km/h increments): briefly
press the cruise control lever up 1 to the
pressure point for a higher speed or down
3 for a lower speed.

Every time the cruise control lever is
pressed up or down, the last speed stored
is increased or reduced.

or■ To adjust the set speed in 5 mph
increments (10 km/h increments):
briefly press the cruise control lever
up 1 past the pressure point for a higher
speed or down 3 for a lower speed.

Every time the cruise control lever is
pressed up or down, the last speed stored
is increased or reduced.

■ Remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.

Your vehicle adapts its speed to that of the
vehicle in front, but only up to the desired
stored speed.

If the vehicle in front has been detected and
is shown in the multifunction display, you can
also activate DISTRONIC PLUS when driving
at speeds below 20 mph (30km/h). If the
vehicle in front is no longer detected and
displayed, for example because it has
changed lanes, DISTRONIC PLUS is
deactivated. You will hear a warning tone if
this is the case.

If you do not fully release the accelerator
pedal, the DISTRONIC PLUS Passive
message appears in the multifunction
display. The set distance to a slowermoving
vehicle in front will then not be
maintained. You will be driving at the speed
you determine by the position of the
accelerator pedal.

Activating when driving towards a
stationary vehicle

■ Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards
you 2 or press it up 1 or down 3.

DISTRONIC PLUS is selected.

■ To adjust the set speed in 1 mph
increments (1 km/h increments): briefly
press the cruise control lever up : to the
pressure point for a higher speed or down
3 for a lower speed.

Every time the cruise control lever is
pressed up or down, the last speed stored
is increased or reduced.

or■ To adjust the set speed in 5 mph
increments (10 km/h increments):
briefly press the cruise control lever
up 1 past the pressure point for a higher
speed or down 3 for a lower speed.

Every time the cruise control lever is
pressed up or down, the last speed stored
is increased or reduced.

If the vehicle in front of you is stationary, you
can only activate DISTRONIC PLUS once your
vehicle is stationary as well.

DISTRONIC PLUS can only be activated at under 20 mph (30km/h) if a vehicle in
front has been detected. Therefore, the DISTRONIC PLUS distance display in the
instrument cluster should be activated .

You can use the cruise control lever to set the stored speed and the control
on the cruise control lever to set the specified minimum distance .

Activating at the current speed/last
stored speed

WARNING

If you call up the stored speed and it differs
from the current speed, the vehicle
accelerates or decelerates. If you do not know
the stored speed, the vehicle could accelerate
or brake unexpectedly. There is a risk of an
accident.

Pay attention to the road and traffic
conditions before calling up the stored speed.

If you do not know the stored speed, store the
desired speed again.

■ Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards
you 1.

■ Remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal.

DISTRONIC PLUS is activated. The first
time it is activated, the current speed is
stored. Otherwise, it sets the vehicle cruise
speed to the previously stored value.

Driving with DISTRONIC PLUS

Pulling away and driving

■ If the vehicle in front pulls away: remove
your foot from the brake pedal.

■ Briefly pull the cruise control lever towards
you 2 or press it up 1 or down 3.

or■ Accelerate briefly.

Your vehicle pulls away and adapts its
speed to that of the vehicle in front.

If there is no vehicle in front, DISTRONIC
PLUS operates in the same way as cruise
control.

If DISTRONIC PLUS detects that the vehicle
in front has slowed down, it brakes your
vehicle. In this way, the distance you have
selected is maintained.

If DISTRONIC PLUS detects a faster-moving
vehicle in front, it increases the driving speed.

However, the vehicle is only accelerated up
to the speed you have stored.

If you depress the brake, DISTRONIC PLUS is
deactivated unless your vehicle is stationary.

Changing lanes

If you change to the passing lane, DISTRONIC
PLUS supports you when:• you are driving faster than 40mph
(60 km/h)• DISTRONIC PLUS is maintaining the
distance to a vehicle in front
• you switch on the appropriate turn signal
• DISTRONIC PLUS does not detect a danger
of collision
If these conditions are fulfilled, your vehicle
is accelerated. Acceleration will be
interrupted if changing lanes takes too long
or if the distance between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front becomes too small.

When changing lanes, DISTRONIC PLUS
monitors the left lane on left-hand drive
vehicles and the right lane on right-hand
drive vehicles.

Vehicles with COMAND

Example: traffic circle

The following function is not operational
in all countries.

DISTRONIC PLUS uses additional information
from your navigation system so that it can
react appropriately to certain traffic
situations. This is the case if, while following
a vehicle, DISTRONIC PLUS is active and you:
• approach or drive through a traffic circle
• approach a T-intersection
• turn off at a highway exit

Even if the vehicle in front leaves the
detection range, DISTRONIC PLUS
temporarily maintains the current driving
speed and does not accelerate. This is based
on the current map data in the navigation
system.

The current speed is maintained:
• approximately 10 seconds before the
traffic circle/T intersection and
approximately 1.5 seconds when driving on
a traffic circle.

• approximately 12 seconds before reaching
a highway exit and approximately
4 seconds after the highway exit.

Afterwards, the vehicle accelerates back to
the set speed you specified.

Stopping

WARNING

When leaving the vehicle, even if it is braked
only by DISTRONIC PLUS, it could roll away if:
• there is a malfunction in the system or in
the voltage supply.

• DISTRONIC PLUS has been deactivated
with the cruise control lever, e.g. by a
vehicle occupant or from outside the
vehicle.

• the electrical system in the engine
compartment, the battery or the fuses have
been tampered with.

• the battery is disconnected.

• the accelerator pedal has been depressed,
e.g. by a vehicle occupant.

There is a risk of an accident.

If you wish to exit the vehicle, always turn off
DISTRONIC PLUS and secure the vehicle
against rolling away.

If DISTRONIC PLUS detects that the vehicle
in front is stopping, it brakes your vehicle until
it is stationary.

Once your vehicle is stationary, it remains
stationary and you do not need to depress the
brake.

After a time, the electric parking brake
secures the vehicle and relieves the service
brake.

Depending on the specified minimum
distance, your vehicle will come to a standstill
at a sufficient distance behind the vehicle in
front. The specified minimum distance is set
using the control on the cruise control lever.

The electric parking brake automatically
secures the vehicle if DISTRONIC PLUS is
activated and:• the driver's door is open and the driver's
seat belt is unfastened.

• the engine is switched off, unless it is
automatically switched off by the ECO
start/stop function.

• a system malfunction occurs.

• the power supply is not sufficient.

On steep uphill or downhill inclines or if there
is a malfunction, the transmission may also
automatically be shifted into position P.

Setting a speed

Keep in mind that it may take a brief moment
until the vehicle has accelerated or braked to
the speed set.

■ Press the cruise control lever up 1 for a
higher speed or down ;2 for a lower speed.

■ To adjust the set speed in 1 mph
increments (1 km/h increments): briefly
press the cruise control lever up 1 or
down 2 to the pressure point.

Every time the cruise control lever is
pressed up 1 or down 2 the last speed
stored is increased or reduced.

■ To adjust the set speed in 5 mph
increments (10 km/h increments):
briefly press the cruise control lever
up 1 or down 2 to the pressure point.

Every time the cruise control lever is
pressed up 1 or down 2, the last speed
stored is increased or reduced.

DISTRONIC PLUS is not deactivated if you
depress the accelerator pedal. If you
accelerate to overtake, DISTRONIC PLUS
adjusts the vehicle's speed to the last
speed stored after you have finished
overtaking.

Setting the specified minimum distance

You can set the specified minimum distance for DISTRONIC PLUS by varying the
time span between one and two seconds. With this function, you can set the
minimum distance that DISTRONIC PLUS keeps to the vehicle in front, dependent on
vehicle speed. You can see this distance in the multifunction display .

■ To increase: turn control 2 in direction
3.

DISTRONIC PLUS then maintains a greater
distance between your vehicle and the
vehicle in front.

■ To decrease: turn control 2 in
direction 1.

DISTRONIC PLUS then maintains a shorter
distance between your vehicle and the
vehicle in front.

Make sure that you maintain a sufficiently
safe distance from the vehicle in front.

Adjust the distance to the vehicle in front if
necessary.

Deactivating DISTRONIC PLUS

There are several ways to deactivate
DISTRONIC PLUS:■ Briefly press the cruise control lever
forwards 1.

or■ Brake, unless the vehicle is stationary.

When you deactivate DISTRONIC PLUS, you
will see the DISTRONIC PLUS Off message
in the multifunction display for approximately
five seconds.

The last speed stored remains stored until
you switch off the engine.

DISTRONIC PLUS is not deactivated if you
depress the accelerator pedal. If you
accelerate to overtake, DISTRONIC PLUS
adjusts the vehicle's speed to the last
speed stored after you have finished
overtaking.

DISTRONIC PLUS is automatically
deactivated if:• you engage the electric parking brake or if
the vehicle is automatically secured with
the electric parking brake
• you are driving slower than 15 mph
(25 km/h) and there is no vehicle in front,
or if the vehicle in front is no longer
detected• ESP® intervenes or you deactivate ESP®
• the transmission is in the P, R or N position
• you switch off the radar sensor system
• you pull the cruise control lever towards
you in order to pull away and the frontpassenger
door or one of the rear doors is
open• you activate DSR
• you activate off-road program 2 on vehicles
with the ON&OFFROAD package
• the vehicle has skidded

If DISTRONIC PLUS is deactivated, you will
hear a warning tone. You will see the
DISTRONIC PLUS Off message in the
multifunction display for approximately five
seconds.

Displays in the instrument cluster

Displays in the speedometer

Example: DISTRONIC PLUS displays in the
speedometer
When DISTRONIC PLUS is activated, one or
two segments 2 in the set speed range light
up.

If DISTRONIC PLUS detects a vehicle in front,
segments 2 between speed of the vehicle in
front 1 and stored speed 3 light up.

For design reasons, the speed displayed
in the speedometer may differ slightly from
the speed set for DISTRONIC PLUS.

Display when DISTRONIC PLUS is
deactivated

Distance display when DISTRONIC PLUS is
deactivated

1 Vehicle in front, if detected
2 Distance indicator, current distance to
the vehicle in front
3 Specified minimum distance to the
vehicle in front; adjustable
4 Own vehicle

In the Assistance menu of the
on-board computer, you can select the
distance display.

■ Select the Distance display function
using the on-board computer .

In the Assistance menu of the on-board computer, you can also activate or
deactivate PRE-SAFE® Brake .

Display when DISTRONIC PLUS is
activated

Distance display with DISTRONIC PLUS activated
in the multifunction display

In the Assistance menu of the
on-board computer, you can select the
distance display.

■ Select the Distance display function
using the on-board computer .

You will see the stored speed for about five
seconds when you activate DISTRONIC PLUS.

Tips for driving with DISTRONIC PLUS

General notes

Pay particular attention in the following traffic
situations:• cornering, going into and coming out of a
bend• vehicles traveling on a different line
• other vehicles changing lanes
• narrow vehicles
• obstructions and stationary vehicles
• crossing vehicles
In such situations, brake if necessary.

DISTRONIC PLUS is then deactivated.

Cornering, going into and coming out of a
bend

The ability of DISTRONIC PLUS to detect
vehicles when cornering is limited. Your
vehicle may brake unexpectedly or late.

Vehicles traveling on a different line

DISTRONIC PLUS may not detect vehicles
traveling on a different line. The distance to
the vehicle in front will be too short.

Other vehicles changing lanes

DISTRONIC PLUS has not detected the
vehicle cutting in yet. The distance to this
vehicle will be too short.

Narrow vehicles

DISTRONIC PLUS has not yet detected the
vehicle in front on the edge of the road,
because of its narrow width. The distance to
the vehicle in front will be too short.

Obstructions and stationary vehicles

DISTRONIC PLUS does not brake for
obstacles or stationary vehicles. If, for
example, the detected vehicle turns a corner
and reveals an obstacle or stationary vehicle,
DISTRONIC PLUS will not brake for these.

See also:

Speedometer with segments
The segments in the speedometer indicate
which speed range is available.
R Cruise control activated :
The segments light up from the stored
speed to the maximum speed.
R Variable SPEEDTRONIC ...

Editorial office
Not to be reprinted, translated or otherwise
reproduced, in whole or in part, without the
written permission of Daimler AG. ...

Cargo compartment
Important safety notes
Do not leave the SmartKey in the cargo
compartment. You could otherwise lock
yourself out.
WARNING
When leaving the vehicle, always remove the
SmartKey from the ignition ...